How far is Gary, IN from Merrillville, IN?
The driving distance from Gary, IN to Merrillville, IN is about 12.1 miles (19.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 19m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 7.6 miles (12.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 39m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 19m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Unincorporated community in Lake County, Indiana
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gary and Merrillville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gary and Merrillville.
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1
Start on 10th Place
77 m · 17 sec · 10th Place
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2
Turn left onto Harrison Boulevard
148 m · 17 sec · Harrison Boulevard
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3
Turn right onto West 11th Avenue
2289 ft · 1 min · West 11th Avenue
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4
Continue on West 11th Avenue
82 m · 10 sec · West 11th Avenue
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5
Turn left onto Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
3.8 mi · 7 min · Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
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6
Turn left onto West 45th Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · West 45th Avenue
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7
Turn right onto Broadway
3.6 mi · 8 min · Broadway
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8
Turn left onto Indian Trail
1156 ft · 51 sec · Indian Trail
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Indian Trail
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gary and Merrillville.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
Turn left onto Richard G. Hatcher Boulevard
3.77 mi · 00h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Gary and Mostly Sunny near Merrillville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gary to Merrillville?
The road trip is about 12.1 miles (19.5 km) and usually takes 00h 19m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Ross is a useful midpoint, sitting about 4.7 miles from Gary and 7.5 miles from Merrillville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 7.6 miles (12.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:50 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.62 one way or $3.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gary and Mostly Sunny near Merrillville.
Stop Ideas Near Ross
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Ross.
Gary, IN
Dyer station
Hammond–Whiting station
Homewood
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gary and Merrillville. Straight-line distance: 7.67 mi (12.35 km).
#1 Gary
The most populous city in Lake County, Indiana.
| Population | 74,693 |
| Coordinates | 41.5933700, -87.3464300 |
| Altitude | 183 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Merrillville
Town in Ross Township, Lake County, Indiana
| Population | 34,916 |
| Coordinates | 41.4828100, -87.3328100 |
| Altitude | 200 |
| Country | United States |
End: Indian Trail (-87.332937, 41.482543)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 20 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 10m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $1.62 | $3.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $1.83 | $3.66 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $2.28 | $4.56 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Indiana · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.